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      Harry Kane sends message to Wayne Rooney after breaking Man Utd legend’s Champions League record with hat-trick

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      BAYERN MUNICH striker Harry Kane broke an impressive record held by Wayne Rooney during last night’s Champions League clash with Dinamo Zagreb.The 31-year-old scored four goals against the Croatian side as Bayern cruised to a 9-2 win at the Allianz Arena.Harry Kane scored four goals for Bayern Munich against Dinamo ZagrebCredit: GettyHe broke a record set by Wayne Rooney to become the highest-scoring Englishman in Champions League historyCredit: GettyKane said he was ‘delighted’ to be in the same conversation as RooneyCredit: Instagram @harrykaneAnd in the process he became the highest-scoring Englishman in Champions League history.Manchester United legend Rooney previously held the title having scored 30 goals in the competition.But Kane equalled that record with his first strike of the evening.The England captain went on to score thrice more, taking his overall Champions League tally up to 33 goals.Read More in FootballAnd he achieved the feat in just 45 games – 40 less than Rooney.Following the match, Kane told Amazon Prime: “Whenever you’re in a conversation with Wayne Rooney, it means you’re doing something well.”He’s one of the greatest English players and one of the best players there was in the game.”It’s a nice achievement.”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe striker continued: “It’s the first time I’ve ever had three penalties in one game. It was a different feeling for me, but to score four goals is fantastic.”To help the team in any way possible is important. Whether they’re penalties or normal finishes, I’ll take them all. It was a great night for us.’Are you seriously talking about that?’ – Jack Grealish told off by England interviewer after being asked about Kane”I keep all the balls after hat-tricks. The lads might be sick of signing them, but keep them coming.”My son Louis, he loves playing football right now. He’s only three, but I’ll take it home and put it next to his bed and he’ll be happy when he wakes up in the morning.”He also took to social media to write: “Not a bad night in the Champions League! One to remember and another ball to take home! Let’s keep it going boys!!” More

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      ‘Going to put flowers on his seat’ – First picture of Irish Liverpool fan killed in Milan amid tributes for ‘top lad’

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      THIS is the first picture of an avid Liverpool fan who tragically died in a road accident in Milan, Italy, on Tuesday.Philip Dooley, who lived in Liverpool but was originally from Ireland, was visiting the Italian city when he was struck by an oncoming car while crossing the A4 highway near the airport in Bergamo.Philip was a lifelong Liverpool supporterCredit: SOCIAL MEDIALiverpool players wore a black armband during the match in tribute to the fanCredit: Getty Images – GettyThe 51-year-old fan was trying to cross the highway to reach the NH Hotel, where he was staying around 1am local time.Local media have reported that he had tickets to a Liverpool match in his pocket when he was discovered, after reportedly landing at Orio al Serio airport at 11.53pm on the flight from Manchester.Ahead of their opening Champions League clash vs AC Milan on Tuesday night, the club paid tribute to the Irishman by wearing black armbands.A social media post read: “We will wear black armbands this evening in tribute to supporter Philip Dooley, who tragically lost his life following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of the morning.”Tributes have been pouring in for tragic Phillip following his untimely death, with the Merseyside club leading the way.Liverpool FC said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of our supporter Philip Dooley, following a road traffic accident in Bergamo in the early hours of this morning.”Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan.”Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.Most read in Football”The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time.Liverpool icon Ron Yeats passes away”Rest in peace, Philip.”Friends and fellow fans who knew Phillip have also taken to social media to share their condolences, with one telling how they plan to “put some flowers on his seat” at the stadium in tribute. One said: “Top man and massive support to my family. You will be sorely missed. YNWA.”Another said: “Absolutely devastated tragic loss Philip Dooley. Thoughts are with all his family & friends. From Robbie, Paula & everyone at the 12th man YNWA.”Liverpool FC player Jamie Carragher responded to this post by sharing a red heart emoji.Another friend shared: “Phil was a friend of mine, from the row in front of me on the Kop, would see him at aways too and always get a hug off him. “Top lad. Going to put some flowers on his seat on Saturday. RIP Phil.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Irish Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.A spokesperson added: “As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases.” More

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      England’s newest star Angel Gomes brought crashing back to Earth as he is SENT OFF in of Champions League defeat

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      ENGLAND star Angel Gomes went from hero to zero as he was sent off in the Champions League.The 24-year-old made his Three Lions debut in the win over Ireland and then put in a man of the match performance against Finland last week. Angel Gomes was sent off in Lille’s defeat to SportingCredit: APHe was given a second yellow just seconds after conceding the opening goalCredit: EPANow back with his club Lille, Gomes played in their Champions League opener away at Sporting Lisbon yesterday.But the midfielder was sent off in the first-half for two bookable offences.He picked up his first yellow card just 21 minutes after kick-off for stopping a counter-attack by chopping down ex-Wolves winger Trincao.And then with 40 minutes on the clock, Gomes caught the back of Viktor Gyokeres’ leg after he cleverly spun away from him.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLithuanian referee Donastas Rumsas decided it was worthy of another booking and sent the former Manchester United wonderkid for an early bath.The second booking came a matter of seconds after Gyokeres had opened the scoring for Sporting.And with Lille down to ten-men, they were unable to overturn the deficit and lost 2-0.Zeno Debast scored the other in what was a goal of the season contender.Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSDuring his time with England, Gomes’ composure on the ball and hard work out of possession saw him earn praise from manager Lee Carsley.Carsely said: “He absolutely loves football. He watches football, he’s interested in tactics, he knows all the player in any league.Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on TNT Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe”If you ask him for any feedback you need to be prepared that he is going to give you some feedback on the session or how we’re going to build up, or the positions.”He’ll help in terms of he will often say about some build-ups that he’s done at other clubs or what he’s played against, because obviously he’s playing in France so he sees different things.”He fully deserves it (his call-up).”But since returning to the French club, it has all being going wrong for him as he was an unused sub as Lille lost to newly-promoted Saint-Etienne 1-0 last weekend. More

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      Manuel Neuer injures himself ‘going full Zlatan Ibrahimovic’ in Champions League clash before sub’s nightmare

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      MANUEL NEUER was forced off with an injury after a failed attempt to clear the ball during Bayern Munich’s win over Dinamo Zagreb last night.The Champions League clash saw Bayern batter their Croatian opponents 9-2.Manuel Neuer looked as though he had tried a spectacular bicycle kick during Bayern Munich’s 9-2 victory over Dinamo ZagrebCredit: GettyNeuer came up for a sweeper keeper style headed clearance during the first halfCredit: GettyHe was knocked off balance while in the airCredit: GettyThe German took a nasty fall to the ground as a resultCredit: GettyNeuer spent the second half on the bench after his heavy fallCredit: RexNeuer, who is known for his sweeper keeper tendencies, was keen to make his presence felt in a game that he was likely to have very little influence on.And the German shot-stopper did so by coming up for a header during the first half to prevent Zagreb from starting a counter attack against his side.However, the 38-year-old collided with Zagreb forward Bruno Petkovic and took a nasty fall to the ground.An incredible still from the game showed the moment that Neuer lost his bearings in the air and had his feet way above his head as he plummeted to the ground.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFans couldn’t help but tease the 124-time German international with the image looking like he was attempting some kind of half-way line bicycle kick.One wrote: “Neuer really tried to replicate [Cristiano] Ronaldo’s bicycle kick against Zagreb.”While another added: “Goalkeeper doing Bicycle kicks midgame. This guy is not human.”A third joked: “Who’s that striker? Is that Zlatan [Ibrahimovic], trying out the spectacular? Nope! It’s Neuer perfecting a bicycle kick from the centre of the pitch! It’s normal!”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd a fourth posted: “Gonna tell my kids he scored a Puskas worthy bicycle kick from the half-way line”.As much as fans managed to get a kick out of the moment, Neuer’s fall was actually quite serious – so much so that he was substituted at half-time with an injury.David Beckham reveals shock career change as he confirms incredible new show to celebrate Champions League’s returnThe veteran keeper was replaced by Sven Ulreich at the break with manager Vincent Kompany not wanting to take any risks.And things took a turn when Ulreich came on the pitch.Bayern had been leading 3-0 at half-time with the Bavarians looking comfortable at home.But less than five minutes into the second half and Ulreich had unbelievably conceded TWICE and let Zagreb back into the game.Embarrassingly the second goal, scored by Takuya Ogiwara, had gone in thanks to a nutmeg by the Japanese left-back on Ulreich.Thankfully for the substitute keeper, Bayern didn’t lose complete control of the game and went on to bang in SIX second half goals and won the game 9-2.Former Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise netted twice on his Champions League debut.While Harry Kane scored FOUR goals – including a hattrick of penalties.Kane’s quartet means he is now the highest scoring Englishman in the history of the Champions League, overtaking Wayne Rooney’s record of 30 goals in the competition.The England captain has now netted 33 times in Europe’s elite tournament and has done so in 40 less games than Rooney managed his 30 goals. Bayern are now top of the Champions League league phase table thanks to their monster +7 goal difference.READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd in other positive news, boss Kompany revealed that Neuer’s injury is not serious, explaining that he took the Bayern captain off as a precaution.He said: “He is fit. We just knew straight away that we didn’t want to take any risks and we have a good replacement in Sven Ulreich.”Substitute Sven Ulreich had a nightmare start in the second half, conceding twice in the opening five minutesCredit: RexUlreich was nutmegged for Dinamo Zagreb’s second goalCredit: X @footballonTNTMichael Olise bagged a brace as Bayern went on to win 9-2Credit: GettyHarry Kane netted four times to become England’s highest scoring Champions League starCredit: AP More

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      Refs’ chief Howard Webb reveals Declan Rice red card was correct – but Arsenal wronged by different incorrect decision

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      DECLAN RICE was rightly sent off for kicking the ball away against Brighton – according to refs’ chief Howard Webb.Speaking on this season’s first edition of decision review show “Match Officials Mic’d Up”, Webb said referee Chris Kavanagh had “no choice” other than to dismiss the England star.Declan Rice was shown a second yellow card for kicking the ball away against BrightonCredit: GettyThe midfielder was left baffled, but Howard Webb claims he was right to be sent offCredit: GettyRice was handed a second yellow by Kavanagh for nudging the ball away as Brighton’s Joel Veltman was taking a free-kick.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta was outraged by the call – which cost him Rice’s services in the north London derby win at Spurs.But the audio of the conversations between Kavanagh and VAR Andy Madley shows the referee felt he had to give Rice the second yellow – even though he was unhappy at doing so.Kavanagh said “Declan Rice has kicked the ball away. I don’t like it, I don’t like it. But he’s knocked the ball. He’s kicked the ball.”Read More in FootballHis VAR, Andy Madley, confirms that decision, telling Kavanagh: “It’s all checked and cleared. It’s exactly as seen.”And Webb agreed: “As you hear from Chris Kavanagh, he’s clearly seen Declan Rice commit a foul, then kick the ball away for an opponent that was in the process of taking a free-kick.“We’ve messaged very clearly and strongly to the players in pre-season around the importance of not getting involved with the ball once the whistle is gone, not delaying the restart in that way.”Once he’s seen Declan Rice deliberately, clearly kick that ball away from the position of that free-kick, then I don’t think he’s got any choice.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWebb, though, did say Kavanagh was WRONG not to issue Brighton’s Joao Pedro with a yellow card for a similar incident in the first half of the game.He said: “It’s a different type of scenario. But it sits in the same kind of book around delaying the restart. Of course, he should have been cautioned here.Arsenal icon Merson says ‘I’ve got more chance of winning Strictly’ in reply to Postecoglou’s second-year trophy claim“The officials on the field gave him too much benefit of doubt, feeling that the actions weren’t really impactful because they felt that the Arsenal players were not ready to take that throw-in.“That should have been the yellow card. And we’ve certainly messaged that back to the officials.”The Rice incident was among five decisions from the first three weeks of the campaign that were reviewed by Webb.Webb said: “In this situation, the ball strikes Ouattara’s shoulder, upper-arm area. It’s hard to be totally conclusive as to exactly where and I don’t think that’s conclusive enough to intervene.“It goes back to ‘referee’s call’. It’s an important concept. And for those factual matters you need evidence. It’s very clear that the on-field call is wrong, I don’t think we have it here.But Webb confirmed that VAR was right to overturn a penalty initially awarded for a “foul” by Lewis Dunk on Dominic Calvert-Lewin in Brighton’s opening day win at Everton.He also agreed that Manchester City’s Mateo Kovacic did not deserve to concede a handball penalty in the first weekend win at Chelsea and that Wout Faes’ goal for Leicester at Fulham, originally ruled out for offside against Jamie Vardy, was correctly awarded.Changes to the Premier League for 2024/25NOTHING stays the same forever.And that includes the Premier League, which is making a number of tweaks this season.Team news will now be released 75 MINUTES before kick-off, 15 minutes earlier than had been the case before.Things could get crowded on the touchline, with the number of substitutes permitted to warm-up boosted from three players per team to FIVE.There’s also a change to how added time is calculated when a team scores a goal, an update to the ‘multiball’ system and the introduction of semi-automated offsides – but not straight away.Go here to read about all the changes to the Premier League for 2024/25. More

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      Roma brutally sack club legend Daniele De Rossi just FOUR games into new Serie A season

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      DANIELE DE ROSSI has been sacked by Roma just four games into the new Serie A season.The club legend returned as interim boss in January following Jose Mourinho’s exit.Roma have sacked club legend Daniele De Rossi just four games into the new seasonCredit: SplashHe made over 600 appearances as a playerCredit: ReutersDe Rossi ended up leading Roma to a sixth-place finish, as well as the semis of the Europa League.And he was only handed a contract to become head coach on a full-time basis in June.But a dismal start to the new season saw Roma pick up just three points from their opening four Serie A matches.Indeed, the capital club are yet to win a single game so far after three draws and one defeat.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLDe Rossi, who won two Italian Cups as a Roma player, was also sent off for dissent in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Genoa and given a one-game touchline ban.But he won’t get the chance to serve it after being brutally axed by Roma’s owner Dan Friedkin.The American businessman took over in 2020 and has now seen three managers during his time in the chair.After now-AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca quit in 2021, Friedkin turned to Jose Mourinho to revive Roma’s fortunes.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Special One led them to their first-ever European trophy with victory in the 2022 Conference League final.Mourinho also reached the Europa League final a year later, where Roma lost on penalties to Sevilla.Italy legend Danielli De Rossi slides over beer-soaked table in wild dressing-room celebrations after beating EnglandBut six months later he was sacked after a bust-up with the hierarchy.Club legend and fan favourite De Rossi was then hired as interim boss at the start of the year in a bid to lift spirits.The 41-year-old spent almost his entire career at Roma, playing 616 times in 18 seasons before a brief spell with Boca Juniors in 2019.De Rossi, who also won 117 caps for Italy and played a key role in their 2006 World Cup win, had previously been his national team’s assistant.And his only managerial spell had come in a sixth-month stint at Serie B side SPAL.But a few tweaks to Roma’s system saw De Rossi get the best out of misfiring stars like Paulo Dybala and Lorenzo Pellegrini.The capital club then climbed the table to finish sixth in Serie A.Daniele De Rossi’s career statsPlaying career:Roma, 2001-2019: 616 games, 63 goalsBoca Juniors, 2019-2020: 7 games 1 goalItaly, 2004-2017: 117 games, 21 goalsTrophiesCoppa Italia x2, Supercoppa Italia (Roma)World Cup, U21s Euros, Olympic Bronze (Italy)Managerial careerSPAL, 2022-2023: P17 W3 D6 L8Roma, Jan 2024-Sept 2024: P30 W14 D9 L7And they also reached the semis of the Europa League, where they lost 1-0 to eventual German champions Bayer Leverkusen.But Roma’s new season got off to a poor start as they drew 0-0 at Cagliari.They were then defeated 2-1 at home to Empoli before another stalemate at Juventus.Sunday saw them held to a 1-1 draw at Genoa, who netted an equaliser in the 96th minute.And with Roma’s Europa League campaign kicking off next week, as well as a home Serie match against Udinese, De Rossi was given his marching orders on Wednesday morning.It now remains to be seen who Roma move for as a replacement.Former Inter Milan and AC Milan title winner Stefano Pioli was linked with De Rossi’s job earlier this month.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut he has reportedly agreed a deal to take charge at Cristiano Ronaldo’s Saudi side Al-Nassr.Other Italian managers looking for work include ex-Chelsea and Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri, as well as former Juventus gaffer Max Allegri. More

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      Behind-the-scenes Man Utd documentary to show Kobbie Mainoo going back to SCHOOL as England star reveals key to success

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      MANCHESTER UNITED star Kobbie Mainoo has returned to his old school for a new behind-the-scenes documentary. His incredible rise to stardom is looked at in the next episode of the show “Lifeblood”, which is being released on Friday.Kobbie Mainoo’s rise to the top is explored in a new documentaryHe visits his old school to speak to pupilsIn one scene, Mainoo is filmed heading back to Cheadle Catholic Junior School on the outskirts of Manchester.As he takes a trip down memory lane, the 19-year-old opens up about his childhood and coming through United’s academy.He speaks to students at his old school and is asked by one how he remains grounded.Mainoo replies: “I have never really been one to brag. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I just keep my head down, keep trying to work hard and I try not to listen to people who keep on bigging me up. “Obviously, I appreciate it – but you can’t let it get to your head.”Mainoo started his football journey at Cheadle and Gatley Junior Club, being scouted by Man Utd at the age of seven.He joined at the age of nine and worked his way up through the youth ranks, while also being capped for England at Under-17, 18 and 19 level.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMainoo made his Man Utd debut in January 2023 and became the club’s 246th academy graduate.He then lifted the prestigious Jimmy Murphy award for best youngster later that year.Man Utd’s best XI of academy graduatesBy 2024, Mainoo was a key player for Erik ten Hag and England.The documentary “Lifeblood” celebrates the success of Man Utd’s academy.Club media have produced the show, featuring behind-the-scenes access and interviews with players, parents and coaches.The doc looks at the stories of Alejandro Garnacho, Scott McTominay and Marcus Rashford.And there are also clips showing the intensity of youth-team training and the Under-9s getting their first ever United shirt.Fans that subscribe can watch the series via the club’s website. More

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      Jamie Carragher ‘absolutely cooks’ Micah Richards live on CBS Sports after cheeky Champions League jibe

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      FOOTBALL fans were thrilled to see Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards back on screen for coverage of the Champions League on Tuesday.The quartet did not shy away from poking fun at each other in between discussing the evening’s fixtures.Kate Abdo, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher and Micah Richards were back on screen for the Champions League on TuesdayCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoCarragher was quick to poke fun at RichardsCredit: X formerly Twitter / @CBSSportsGolazoAnd one moment in particular left fans in stitches.Abdo joked that she was being forced to discuss Liverpool’s famous 2005 Champions League win in Istanbul before turning to Carragher to get his point of view.The ex-defender responded: “You know what, thanks to that game, that’s why I’ve signed another three-year contract.”It keeps me in employment!”Read More in FootballRichards then said: “I didn’t have to win a Champions League to sign a contract.”But Carragher was quick to joke: “You didn’t even play a game!”They both burst into laughter before Abdo quickly continued the conversation.Fans took to social media to react, with one person writing: “I have missed them immensely!”Most read in Champions LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnother joked: “Let the cooking begin!”While a third said: “Just cook each other like that 😂.”David Beckham reveals shock career change as he confirms incredible new show to celebrate Champions League’s returnDavid Beckham gatecrashed the live programme to reveal that he was starting his own show on the channel.The England legend said he will be hosting a new watch party-style show with A-listers called ‘Beckham and Friends’.New Champions League formatEach club will play eight matches in the opening phase – against seeded opposition, in a system designed to ensure that teams play opponents of similar difficulty.The top eight teams in the “final” table will automatically go through to the last 16, where they will be joined by the eight play-off winners of ties between the sides placed ninth to 24th in the table.Despite there being just eight matches in the opening phase, European matches will be spread over 10 midweek slots.The new Champions League format also sees the implication of two additional qualifying spots.They will be awarded to the nations that are top of the “country coefficient” chart each season. More